Page 24 of Last Chance

Sawyer spent several minutes recounting events from the time he and his teammates diverted to Mexico to the harrowing escape from the hijackers.

“How many did you take out?”

Sawyer glanced at Janie, unease clear to read in his eyes. “Twenty-five, sir.”

“You were the only one injured?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How bad is the injury? And don’t lie to me, Chapman. I’ll find out and make you pay for lying.”

“Twenty stitches in my shoulder. Sorenson kicked me out of the clinic.” He smiled. “Guess I don’t rate as a seriously injured patient.”

“How long did he say you’ll be off duty?”

Sawyer flinched. “A week, maybe more, depending on how the wound heals.”

Brent turned his attention to Janie. “Your turn. Tell me everything from the beginning. Leave nothing out, no matter how trivial you think it is.”

And there it was. The one thing she dreaded. Details. If she left anything out, Brent would know and call her hand on it.

To her surprise, Sawyer threaded his fingers through hers, lending her silent support. Such a good man. She couldn’t let either of them down.

Janie drew in a deep breath and did as Brent ordered. She started from the beginning. Although she tried to report the facts just like Sawyer had, Janie couldn’t do it. Her emotions kept creeping into her recitation of events.

When she reached the point where she and her fellow passengers were shoved into the back of the van, her voice broke and tears formed in her eyes.

Sawyer said, “Janie needs a break, Brent.”

Her friend’s eyebrows rose. “You speak for her now?”

Sawyer’s cheeks flushed. “You taught us to pay attention to our principals. Janie needs a break. Sir.”

A principal? Disappointment twisted through Janie. That’s all she was to Sawyer? A job? She wanted to slap herself. They’d just met hours ago. She was simply a job. Sawyer Chapman didn’t know her. But inside, she felt like he should know her. Ridiculous. He didn’t. End of story.

“Janie?” Brent straightened from his desk. “Do you need a break?”

She had to be honest with herself. Trembling hands weren’t normal for her. “Ten minutes to walk around and get a drink would help.”

A small nod. “Go. Take your time.” Brent stared at Sawyer, who gave a curt nod in response.

Sawyer held out his hand to Janie. “Come on. Let’s walk.”

Janie clasped his hand and allowed Sawyer to escort her from the office.

“Finished already?” Brent’s assistant asked with a smile.

“Not yet,” Sawyer said. “Break time.”

They walked down the hall. Sawyer opened a door and led her inside a small conference room. Once he seated her, the operative crouched in front of her. “What do you need?”

“Water is fine.”

He studied Janie a moment. “Would you like some hot tea?”

Her breath caught. “Do you have some? I don’t want to put anyone out, but I’d love a cup of tea.”

“No problem.” He stood. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

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